Sitting posture assistance device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a sitting posture assistance device that does not readily inhibit body movement. A sitting posture assistance device is an assistance device that assists a person&#39;s posture when sitting, and is provided with a supporting part. The supporting part is configured to extend along the spine so as to support the spine of a person who is in a sitting posture from behind. The supporting part has a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2014/075237 filed Sep. 24, 2014. The contents of this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sitting posture assistance device for assisting a person's posture when sitting.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional sitting posture assistance device is described in Patent Literature 1, for example. The sitting posture assistance device described in this literature is provided with a corset fixed to the backrest of a chair. The corset is wrapped around the waist of a user seated in the chair.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PLT 1] JP 2010-158282A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The sitting posture assistance device described in Patent Literature 1 is able to assist posture when sitting. Assisting the sitting posture contributes to easing the load placed on the waist when sitting. However, with this sitting posture assistance device, the entire circumference of the waist is covered by the corset. A large area of the body thus being covered by the sitting posture assistance device is a factor that greatly inhibits body movement when sitting.

Solution to Problem

The present invention was made in view of the above problem, and has an object to provide a sitting posture assistance device that does not readily inhibit body movement.

A sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention includes a supporting part configured to extend along a spine of a person who is in a sitting posture so as to support the spine from behind, the supporting part having a curved shape corresponding to a curve of the spine.

This sitting posture assistance device is provided with a supporting part having a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine. The supporting part supports the spine at the time of sitting from behind. The sitting posture can thereby be assisted. Moreover, this supporting part has a shape configured to extend along the spine. The area of the body that is covered by the sitting posture assistance device can thus be narrowly limited.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a sitting posture assistance device that does not readily inhibit body movement is realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view for illustrating the configuration of a supporting part in the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating the state at the time of using the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view for illustrating the configuration of a fixing part in the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a supporting part in the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view for illustrating a variation of the sitting posture assistance device.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a supporting part according to a variation.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the supporting part of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the description of the drawings, like elements are denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1. Also, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the sitting posture assistance device of FIG. 1. The sitting posture assistance device 1 is an assistance device that assists a person's posture when sitting, and is provided with a supporting part 10 and a fixing part 20.

The supporting part 10 is configured to extend along the spine so as to support the spine (back) of a person who is in a sitting posture from behind. The supporting part 10 has a rod-like shape. As is evident from FIG. 2, the supporting part 10 has a linear shape in front view. On the other hand, the supporting part 10 is curved in side view, as is evident from FIG. 3. Specifically, the supporting part 10 has a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine.

The supporting part 10 preferably has a width d1 (refer to FIG. 2) from 5 cm to 10 cm inclusive. The supporting part 10 preferably has a length d2 of 30 cm or more. Here, the length d2 is defined as the height of the supporting part 10 in front view. Also, the supporting part 10 preferably has a thickness from 5 mm to 2 cm inclusive. Plastic, wood or metal, for example, can be used as the material of the supporting part 10.

The curved shape of the supporting part 10 is preferably elastically deformable. Here, the curved shape of the supporting part 10 being elastically deformable means that, as shown in FIG. 4, the curved shape of the supporting part 10 changes (the degree of curvature decreases) due to a reaction force received from a person's back when in use but returns to its original curved shape when the back is moved away therefrom. In this diagram, the left side shows the supporting part 10 in a state in which the back has been moved away therefrom, and the right side shows the supporting part 10 when in use. The supporting part 10 of this configuration can be realized by adjusting the rigidity thereof.

The supporting part 10 may have shape memory. In this case, the supporting part 10 need only be formed using a shape memory material. A shape memory resin, a shape memory alloy, a shape memory nonwoven fabric or shape memory paper, for example, is given as the shape memory material.

The fixing part 20 is connected to the lower end of the supporting part 10. The fixing part 20 has a plate-like shape. This fixing part 20 is, as shown in FIG. 5, configured to be interposed between the posterior of a person who is in a sitting posture and the seating surface. This diagram shows the state at the time of using the sitting posture assistance device 1. That is, in this diagram, a person 90 is sitting on a chair 80 having a seating surface 82 and a backrest 84. A spine 92 of the person 90 who is in the sitting posture is supported from behind by the supporting part 10.

The fixing part 20 is foldable with respect to the supporting part 10, as shown in FIG. 6. That is, the fixing part 20 and the supporting part 10 are turnable with respect to each other about an axis parallel to a right-left direction of the body (direction perpendicular to the page of FIG. 6). The turnable range is, however, restricted to a fixed range (range shown with arrows in FIG. 6), such that the supporting part 10 does not collapse backward with respect to the fixing part 20. A configuration that is thus turnable can be realized, for example, by connecting the supporting part 10 and the fixing part 20 via a hinge.

The fixing part 20 is preferably attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting part 10. Here, being attachable and detachable means that the fixing part 20 can be attached to or removed from the supporting part 10, without damaging the sitting posture assistance device 1.

The fixing part 20 has a width d3 (refer to FIG. 2) greater than the width d1 of the supporting part 10. Also, as is evident from FIG. 3, the fixing part 20 has a smaller thickness than the supporting part 10. The fixing part 20 has, for example, a width d3 of about 20 cm, a depth d4 of about 15 cm (refer to FIG. 3), and a thickness of about 3 mm. Plastic, wood or metal, for example, can be used as the material of the fixing part 20. The material of the fixing part 20 may be the same as the material of the supporting part 10 or may be different.

The effects of the sitting posture assistance device 1 will be described. The sitting posture assistance device 1 is provided with the supporting part 10 having a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine. The supporting part 10 supports the spine at the time of sitting from behind (refer to FIG. 5). The sitting posture can thereby be assisted. Assisting the sitting posture in this way eases the load that is placed on the waist at the time of sitting, and helps prevent or relieve lower back pain.

Moreover, the supporting part 10 has a shape configured to extend along the spine. The area of the body that is covered by the sitting posture assistance device 1 can thus be narrowly limited. In actuality, the only region covered by the supporting part 10 in the present embodiment is a region of the back near the spine. Accordingly, body movement is not readily inhibited, even in a state in which the sitting posture assistance device 1 is used.

Also, the supporting part 10 has a long thin shape (rod-like), and is thus able to cover a wide area in the direction in which the spine extends while covering a narrow area in the right-left direction of the body. The supporting part 10 is thus suitable for stably supporting the spine, while suppressing the degree to which body movement is inhibited.

The supporting part 10 preferably has a width of 10 cm or less, from the point of view of thus covering a narrow area in the right-left direction of the body. On the other hand, when the width of the supporting part 10 is too small, it becomes difficult to stably support the spine. From this point of view, the supporting part 10 preferably has a width of 5 cm or more. Also, the supporting part 10 preferably has a length of 30 cm or more, from the point of view of covering a wide area in the direction in which the spine extends.

Furthermore, in the case where the supporting part 10 is rod-like, the sitting posture assistance device 1 is comparatively compact, and is thus also suitable for carrying. If the sitting posture assistance device 1 is carried, it becomes possible to use the sitting posture assistance device 1 even when away from home.

In the case where the curved shape of the supporting part 10 elastically deformable, the shape of the supporting part 10 changes according to the curved shape of the spine at the time of sitting, thus enabling adhesion to the back of the supporting part 10 to be enhanced. Assistance of the sitting posture by the sitting posture assistance device 1 can thereby be more effectively carried out. Also, since the back is pushed by a force produced by the supporting part 10 attempting to return to its original curved shape, a relaxation effect and the like are also obtained.

In the case where the supporting part 10 has shape memory, the supporting part 10 having a curved shape can be easily realized, by causing the supporting part 10 to remember the shape along the curve of the spine.

The sitting posture assistance device 1 is provided with the fixing part 20. The position of the sitting posture assistance device 1 (supporting part 10) can thereby be easily fixed with respect to the body. In particular, the fixing part 20 is interposed between the posterior of the person who is in the sitting posture and the seating surface. The sitting posture assistance device 1 can thereby be fixed with respect to the body, irrespective of the shape of the backrest or whether or not the chair has a backrest.

The fixing part 20 is foldable with respect to the supporting part 10. The sitting posture assistance device 1 becomes more compact by folding up the fixing part 20, thus improving the convenience with which the sitting posture assistance device 1 is stored and carried.

The fixing part 20 has a greater width than the supporting part 10. The fixing part 20 interposed between the posterior and the seating surface does not readily move by making the fixing part 20 wider in this way, thus enabling the sitting posture assistance device 1 to be firmly fixed with respect to the body.

The fixing part 20 has a smaller thickness than the supporting part 10. By thus reducing the thickness of the fixing part 20, the difference in level between the seating surface and the fixing part 20 decreases. By reducing this difference in level, a deterioration in seating comfort can be prevented. On the other hand, in terms of providing the supporting part 10 with a certain amount of rigidity, greater thickness of the supporting part 10 is advantageous. From this point of view, the supporting part 10 preferably has a thickness of 5 mm or more. When the thickness of the supporting part 10 is too great, however, the interval between the body and the backrest widens, making it impossible to sit back on the seating surface. From this point of view, the supporting part 10 preferably has a thickness of 2 cm or less.

In the case where the fixing part 20 is attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting part 10, it becomes possible to use the sitting posture assistance device 1, even in a state in which the fixing part 20 has been removed. Note that even in a state in which the fixing part 20 has been removed, the sitting posture assistance device 1 can be fixed with respect to the body, by interposing the supporting part 10 between the back and the backrest.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention. The sitting posture assistance device 2 is an assistance device that assists a person's posture when sitting, and is provided with a supporting part 30 and the fixing part 20. The configuration of the fixing part 20 is as described in the first embodiment.

The supporting part 30 is configured to extend along the spine so as to support the spine of a person who is in a sitting posture from behind. The supporting part 30 has a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine. A groove portion 32 is formed in the supporting part 30 of the present embodiment. Specifically, the groove portion 32 is formed in the front surface (surface opposing the spine) of the supporting part 30. The groove portion 32 extends in the direction in which the supporting part 30 extends. The supporting part 30 thereby has a recessed shape in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 8. This diagram shows a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the supporting part 30 extends. The groove portion 32 preferably has a width d5 from 1 cm to 3 cm inclusive. The remaining configuration of the supporting part 30 is similar to the configuration of the supporting part 10 described in the first embodiment.

The effects of the sitting posture assistance device 2 will be described. The sitting posture assistance device 2 is provided with the supporting part 30 having a curved shape corresponding to the curve of the spine. The supporting part 30 supports the spine at the time of sitting from behind. The sitting posture can thereby be assisted. Moreover, the supporting part 30 has a shape configured to extend along the spine. The area of the body that is covered by the sitting posture assistance device 2 can thus be narrowly limited. Accordingly, body movement is not readily inhibited, even in a state in which the sitting posture assistance device 2 is used.

The groove portion 32 is formed in the supporting part 30. The spine is thus supported by the supporting part 30 in a state of being positioned in the groove portion 32. The spine can thereby be more stably supported. In terms of thus supporting the spine, the groove portion 32 preferably has a width from 1 cm to 3 cm inclusive.

The sitting posture assistance device according to the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various variations can be made. In the foregoing embodiments, an example in which the fixing part 20 is connected to the supporting part 10 was shown. However, it is not essential to provide the fixing part 20.

In the foregoing embodiments, a latching part 40 may be attached to the supporting parts 10 and 30, as shown in FIG. 9. The latching part 40 is configured to latch onto the backrest of a chair. Here, a hook is shown as an example of the latching part 40. In this diagram, the latching part 40 is attached to the back surface (opposite surface to the surface opposing the spine) of the supporting parts 10 and 30. The attachment position of the latching part 40 to the supporting parts 10 and 30 is variable. That is, the latching part 40 can also be attached to a higher position, and can also be attached to a lower position. The latching part 40 is preferably attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting parts 10 and 30.

Latching this latching part 40 onto the backrest enables the supporting parts 10 and 30 to be easily fixed with respect to the body. In particular, the attachment position of the latching part 40 to the supporting parts 10 and 30 is variable, thus enabling the latching part 40 to be latched to the backrest of various chairs, by adjusting the attachment position according to factors such as the height of the backrest. In the case where the latching part 40 is attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting parts 10 and 30, the sitting posture assistance device can be used, even in a state in which the latching part 40 is removed.

In the foregoing embodiments, a supporting part consisting of one rod-like member was illustrated. However, the supporting part may consist of a plurality of unit parts, as shown in FIG. 10. In this diagram, the supporting part 50 consists of a plurality of unit parts 52 coupled in the direction in which the supporting part 50 extends. Adjacent unit parts 52 can turn about an axis parallel to the right-left direction of the body (right-left direction in FIG. 10). The adjacent unit parts 52 are, however, configured to lock when the supporting part 50 achieves a predetermined curved shape as shown in FIG. 11. When locked, turning is restricted as long as a force greater than or equal to a certain force (a larger force than the reaction force received from a person's back when using the sitting posture assistance device) is not applied. This structure enables the supporting part 50 to be folded up, thus improving the convenience with which the sitting posture assistance device can be stored and carried.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 sitting posture assistance device     -   2 sitting posture assistance device     -   10 supporting part     -   20 fixing part     -   30 supporting part     -   32 groove portion     -   40 latching part     -   50 supporting part     -   52 unit part 

1. A sitting posture assistance device comprising: a supporting part configured to extend along a spine of a person who is in a sitting posture so as to support the spine from behind, wherein the supporting part has a curved shape corresponding to a curve of the spine.
 2. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the curved shape of the supporting part is elastically deformable.
 3. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting part has shape memory.
 4. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein a groove portion configured to extend in a direction in which the supporting part extends is formed in a surface of the supporting part that opposes the spine.
 5. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 4, wherein the groove portion has a width from 1 cm to 3 cm inclusive.
 6. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting part has a width from 5 cm to 10 cm inclusive.
 7. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting part has a length of 30 cm or more.
 8. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting part consists of a plurality of unit parts coupled in a direction in which the supporting part extends, and the unit parts that are adjacent are turnable with respect to each other about an axis parallel to a right-left direction of a body.
 9. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, comprising a latching part configured to be attached to the supporting part and to latch onto a backrest of a chair.
 10. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 9, wherein an attachment position of the latching part to the supporting part is variable.
 11. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 9, wherein the latching part is attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting part.
 12. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 1, comprising a fixing part configured to be connected to a lower end of the supporting part and to be interposed between a posterior of the person who is in the sitting posture and a seating surface.
 13. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the fixing part is foldable with respect to the supporting part.
 14. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the fixing part has a greater width than the supporting part.
 15. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the fixing part has a smaller thickness than the supporting part.
 16. The sitting posture assistance device according to claim 12, wherein the fixing part is attachable and detachable with respect to the supporting part. 